MBASK opens preseason with a winThe Golden Hawks men's basketball team defeated the Division 1 Binghamton Bearcats in what was their first preseason game of the 2017 season

ST. CATHERINES, Ont. (August 10, 2017)- The Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks men’s basketball team had a strong start to the 2017 season, as they were victorious in their non-conference debut on Thursday night where they defeated the Division 1 Binghamton Bearcats 82-75 at the Bob Davis Gymnasium at Brock University.

In what was their first game of non-conference play, the Hawks played the Binghamton Bearcats, an American Division 1 team of Binghamton University from New York State.

The purple and gold shone throughout the game, as they were up 38-33 at half and went on to earn an 82-75 victory.

“I was impressed with our ball movement today; we have been focusing on passing for the last seven days in practice, and it shows today” said Head Coach Justin Serresse on the team’s preseason win.

Laurier was lead in the contest by fourth year guard Chuder Teny of Kitchener, Ont., who contributed 23 points for the Golden Hawks, and had two steals in the fourth quarter to help the Hawks secure their win.

Also contributing to the victory were fifth year guard Vlad Matovic (Kitchener, Ont.) who poured in ten points and posted four rebounds, and second year guard Matthew Minutillo from Brantford, Ont. who had eight points and five assists.

The team’s newest recruits were also a clear presence on the court last night, with Ben Stevens of Halifax, N.S. at the top of the rookie pool, having earned five points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Joining Stevens on the attack were Ali Sow of Ottawa, Ont., with eight points and four assists, as well as Goran Veselinovic from Hamilton, Ont., who had nine points on the night.

“Our rookies came in with confidence and contributed right away either on the glass, defense or scoring. I was happy to see them compete on both ends of the floor” commented Serresse on the young talent of the team.

The Hawks will continue their non-conference schedule on September 28th, when they play Laval Rouge et Or. The game is set for 8:00pm at the Wilfrid Laurier Athletic Complex.